Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 5" Eastern River Cooter that I am about to put into a 40 gallon bow tank. What type of filtration would be best for this size tank? Is there a fish filter that would work?

Cooters can handle some current, so I'd go with an external canister filter. Fluval, Rena, and a few other companies make some that are affordable. They are not cheap, but not as expensive as many fancy saltwater units. They are well worth the expense. Submersible filters need almost constant cleaning and the "side-hangers" need a higher level of water to function properly. Also, I'd buy a larger sized filter. I have a 40 gallon tank that I am raising some juvenile NA Wood turtles in until they can safely go outside. I have a canister filter for up to a 75 gallon tank. Turtles this size can produce massive amounts of waste and the larger filter keeps the water crystal clear. I break up the current with smooth rocks. There is one part of the tank with no current, but the turtles seem to prefer the moving areas. It's actually a lot like a Wood turtle's natural habitat. Cooters are also typically found in moving, relatively clean water.

We have a small fish tank filter, it sucks! We have to do a 75% water change every 3 -5 days. Turtles are MESSY!!! We have a 40 gallong tank, about 30 gallons of water. The filter said it was good up to 50 gallons but not with turlte waste. Your best bet would be to invest in something that is powerful and cleans at least 2x your water capacity.

We will be upgrading soon! I cannot wait!
-----
Tammy, Doug, Skylar, Andrew, Aaron, Lessley
2 cats (azul & chester)
2 parakeets
1 hampster (oreo)
3 RES (Big mama, Quazimoto, Rustus)
Crab, newt, and numerous fish